Three police officers were injured in a shootout on Sunday that culminated in the death of a Breathitt County resident who reportedly started the altercation by firing on motorists.
Kentucky State Police in Hazard received a call around 8:10 p.m. on June 24 advising them that an individual on Rt. 30 West in the Canoe community of Breathitt County had fired shots from his residence at a couple as they were traveling on the roadway. Brenda Southwood and Larry Adams both were in the vehicle and had been struck and received injuries from the gunshot.
Troopers and Breathitt County Deputies responded to the scene. Contact was made with the alleged perpetrator and he began firing shots at the officers. Tpr. Joey King was struck in the face with buckshot and two Breathitt County Deputies also received minor injuries from buckshot. Kentucky State Police from Richmond Post were also called for assistance. Officers returned fire as the perpetrator refused to stop firing on the officers.
According to state police reports, after the gunshots stopped, the perpetrator, Danny Johnson, age 59, of Houston, Ky., was located on the front porch with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Kentucky River Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. Brenda Southwood and Larry Adams also were treated for their injuries from gunshot wounds. Trooper King was transported to the hospital and is being treated for his injuries sustained in the incident. Investigation into the is continuing.